BCLA is happy to announce that the call for proposals for the 2026 BC Library Conference is open from October 15 – November 24, 2025. You can read the submission FAQs and submit a proposal via the online portal.
The 2026 BC Library Conference will take place April 22-24 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, on the territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and other hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (hun-ki-meen-um) speaking people, in Richmond.
Conference Theme
Our conference theme for 2026 is Brave Ideas, Bright Futures. We are inspired by the work happening in libraries and by our enduring belief that libraries are key to a better future, both individually and collectively.
Library work is not for the faint of heart. It demands courage, persistence, and vision. Whether you’re rethinking the way you’ve always done things, advocating for those with the least power and influence, or reflecting honestly on failures to learn and grow, your efforts are lighting the way forward.
By daring to think differently and act bravely, in ways large and small, you’re not just transforming libraries—you’re helping shape a brighter future.
Submitting Your Proposal
We encourage potential presenters to submit session proposals that range from practical to theoretical. We welcome creative interpretations of what our theme may mean for different people in their varied areas of library work.
If you work in kids/teens or in a small or rural library, please consider putting forward a proposal! We generally receive few proposals about children and teen services, or proposals from people working in small or rural libraries, yet we hear from delegates that they are interested in those sessions.
Tips & Guidelines
Crafting a successful conference session proposal takes skill. Check out the Call for Proposals section of our website for a recording of “How to Write a Successful Conference Session Proposal” and a list of guidelines and tips on how to create a successful session proposal.
Consider working with a co-presenter. We tend to select proposals that feature multiple presenters – sessions are stronger when they represent a variety of viewpoints and lived experiences. We can accommodate panels of up to 3 people per session.
If you have an idea for a session that would benefit from a panel approach but don’t know who to invite to co-present with you, use the “find co-presenters for your 2026 BC Library Conference session idea” thread on the BCLA Forum to find someone.
What to Expect
You will submit your session/poster proposal via the online portal. The submission questions are available for review in the submission FAQs, where you can also find a description and timeline of the process.
Accessibility
Pheedloop’s Call for Proposal form is not currently accessible for screen readers. We apologize for this lack of accessibility and continue to advocate with the vendor. We will be happy to provide support to make the process accessible until this is resolved. Please email our Conference Coordinator, Sarah Bolton, for support for this or any other access issues.
Conference Format
Our 2026 conference will include in-person sessions, poster sessions, events, and trade show.
We’re excited to bring back “Birds of a Feather” sessions for 2026! We heard from you that these were a welcome addition to the most recent conference, and you appreciated the chance this format offered to meet new colleagues, have conversations, and learn from each other in less structured ways. These are informal sessions where you come together to discuss a shared interest, hosted by 1-2 people. The goal is to provide opportunities to make connections, spark ideas, and develop communities of practice. The hosts aren’t expected to be experts, but rather to engage in the conversation, help everyone feel welcome, and encourage sharing questions, ideas, and experiences.
We are continuing with our Conference Virtual Reboot series this year. We will only be streaming and recording the keynotes; we will not be streaming or recording any other sessions at conference. Virtual access to the keynotes will be included with your 2026 in-person registration or available as a separate registration option. In the months following conference, we will invite some of the conference presenters to offer a version of their presentations as standalone webinars. This will allow for a more engaging and interactive virtual experience and ensure that people who could not attend conference still have access to these learning opportunities.
We expect that our conference format will continue to evolve. We will continue to adjust and respond to your feedback and the changing nature of conferences in the coming years.
We hope to see you at BC Library Conference in Richmond on April 22-24, 2026!